Nations Cup starts in Bucharest

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00

The International Rugby Board started the Nations Cup in 2006 to provide more matches for the second teams of top countries and more rugby for the next level of rugby in Europe, the European Nations =Cup's Division 1 teams.

The International Rugby Board started the Nations Cup in 2006 to provide more matches for the second teams of top countries and more rugby for the next level of rugby in Europe, the European Nations =Cup's División 1 teams.

The second teams of Six Nations sides are not all that keen, it seems. After all they compete during the Six Nations, then have hectic club schedules and now play in the Churchill Cup.

The teams taking part this year are Argentina Jaguars, Georgia, Namibia, Portugal, Romania and, for the first time, a team from the Eastern Cape of South Africa called the South African Kings.

Three of the sides are heading for the World Cup in New Zealand - Georgia, Namibia and Romania. For them the tournament is a wonderful warm-up opportunity. As in 2007 the awareness of the World Cup will be strong. After all Georgia and Romania are in the same World Cup pool.

The Kings are from the Eastern Province, trying hard with political backing to get into Super rugby. For them this is a chance to establish credibility. Coach Alan Solomons said: “The Kings wish to give a good account of themselves, thereby showing that the players have the ability to play at an elevated level. We are also aware of our responsibility of assisting both Georgia and Romania in their preparation for Rugby World Cup 2011.”

The opening match will be repeat of last year's final when Namibia surprised by winning.